I'm designing a lightweight DIY wearable setup that looks a bit like a sci-fi scouter or headphone-mounted display. I'd like a small screen around 3–4 inches, possibly up to 4.5 inches, that can mirror my Galaxy Android phone and play YouTube or tutorial videos. A wireless connection would be ideal, but I could use a long USB-C cable if necessary. I need to keep my surroundings visible because I paint apartments, so I'm hesitant about tinted XR glasses or anything that blocks my view. I'm also considering using a small spare phone as a dedicated display. I've seen tiny screens marketed for Raspberry Pi and Arduino projects, but I'm unsure whether they can work directly with a phone.
3 Answers
XR glasses could provide a much larger virtual screen while looking like ordinary sunglasses, but they may not suit your work because you need clear visibility of walls, floors, and carpet. Also, Arduino and Raspberry Pi serve different purposes: an Arduino is mainly a microcontroller for sensors and simple hardware, while a Raspberry Pi is a small computer capable of handling displays, video, and full operating systems. For this project, neither may be necessary unless you want to build a custom wearable computer.
The tiny screens marketed for Raspberry Pi projects usually don’t actually require a Pi. Many are small HDMI displays, so they may work with a Galaxy phone if the phone supports USB-C DisplayPort video output and you use the appropriate USB-C-to-HDMI adapter. Check the display’s input and your exact Galaxy model before buying. Wireless mirroring is less common at this size and may add noticeable delay.
That’s helpful. I’ll look more closely at the specifications and compatible USB-C adapters instead of assuming every small display needs a Raspberry Pi.
A second lightweight phone might be simpler than building a separate monitor. The Unihertz Jelly Star has a 3-inch screen and can run YouTube, although it isn’t as polished as a mainstream phone. Small phones could give you everything you need without dealing with HDMI adapters, batteries, and custom electronics.
I’m open to using another phone as a dedicated screen as long as it stays compact, light, and reasonably affordable. I’ll compare that option with the tiny HDMI displays.
The visibility issue is exactly why I’m cautious about XR glasses. I’d prefer a small display off to the side that I can glance at without affecting my view of the work area.